Is there a state-endorsed certification process?

Yes, Delaware has a state-endorsed certification. No indication of changes because of COVID-19.
 

Does the state differentiate between Mental Health Peer Support Specialists and Substance Use Peer Support Specialists?

One certification to cover both Mental Health and Substance use peer support, the Certified Peer Recovery Specialist.
 

What are the educational requirements to apply for a peer specialist training program?

Minimum high school diploma/GED 

What are the personal requirements to apply for a peer specialist training program?

Personal Requirements:
• Applicant must be at least 18 years of age.
• Applicant must have a High School Diploma or GED
• Applicant must have direct personal experience living with mental illness and/or addiction in recovery. (For our purposes, supporting or living with someone with mental illness or substance use disorder does not qualify)
• Applicant must be willing to self-disclose lived experience for the purpose of education, role modeling, and providing hope to others about the reality of recovery.
 

What are the professional requirements needed to apply for a peer specialist training program?

Professional Requirements:
• Applicant must have at least 2 months experience working or volunteering under supervision in a peer role.

What are the training requirements to become a Certified Peer Specialist?

Attend training:
• Applicant must be at least 18 years of age.
• Applicant must have a High School Diploma or GED
• Applicant must have direct personal experience living with mental illness and/or addiction in recovery. (For our purposes, supporting or living with someone with mental illness or substance use disorder does not qualify)
• Applicant must be willing to self-disclose lived experience for the purpose of education, role modeling, and providing hope to others about the reality of recovery.
• Applicant must have at least 2 months experience working or volunteering under supervision in a peer role.
Get Certified:
• Formal Education: Minimum high school diploma/GED
• Peer Work Experience: 500 hours of  work or volunteer experience as a peer recovery specialist.
• Current Volunteer Job Description: Copy of current peer recovery specialist volunteer/job description, obtained from current organization, and which must be signed by both the applicant and their immediate supervisor.
• Statement of Lived Experience: 1000 word essay describing their experience with recovery and their history of sustained recovery
• On-The-Job Supervision: 25 hours of on-the-job supervision of qualifying work experience in the peer recovery specialist domains.
• Education/Training: 46 hours of education/training specific to the peer recovery specialist domains of which 10 hours must be in the Advocacy domain; 10 hours must be in the Mentoring/Education domain; 10 hours must be in the Recovery/Wellness Support domain; and 16 hours must be in the Ethical Responsibility domain.

What is the average cost for CPS training?

MHA Peer Training Services does not display costs, so assuming none. 

Who is responsible for paying for training? (List all)

MHA Peer Training Services does not display costs, so assuming none. 

Other potential funding sources.

MHA Peer Training Services does not display costs, so assuming none. 

Is there a state-wide certification test?

Yes, on approval of certification application the individual must pass the IC&RC Examination for Certified Peer Recovery Specialists. Costs:
Application fee is waived Effective May 1, 2023 through SAMHSA funding.
Certification exam fees are not located in material but there does appear to be a fee if the individual cancels and has to reschedule the examination. Otherwise, cost unknown. 

What are the personal/professional requirements for certification, if they differ from attending the training?

• Peer Work Experience: 500 hours of  work or volunteer experience as a peer recovery specialist.
• Current Volunteer Job Description: Copy of current peer recovery specialist volunteer/job description, obtained from current organization, and which must be signed by both the applicant and their immediate supervisor.
• Statement of Lived Experience: 1000 word essay describing their experience with recovery and their history of sustained recovery
• On-The-Job Supervision: 25 hours of on-the-job supervision of qualifying work experience in the peer recovery specialist domains.
• Education/Training: 46 hours of education/training specific to the peer recovery specialist domains of which 10 hours must be in the Advocacy domain; 10 hours must be in the Mentoring/Education domain; 10 hours must be in the Recovery/Wellness Support domain; and 16 hours must be in the Ethical Responsibility domain.
• Examination: Once application is approved, applicant must pass the IC&RC Examination for Peer Recovery Specialists (PR examination).

Is a background check required? If so, is a criminal record a disqualification for certification?

No

What is the cost of the certification test?

Yes, on approval of certification application the individual must pass the IC&RC Examination for Certified Peer Recovery Specialists. Costs:
Application fee is waived Effective May 1, 2023 through SAMHSA funding.
Certification exam fees are not located in material but there does appear to be a fee if the individual cancels and has to reschedule the examination. Otherwise, cost unknown. 

Does the certification test need to be taken regularly to maintain certification?

Certified Peer Recovery Specialist recertification fees are waived with funding through SAMHSA. Must have 20 hours continuing education to include 6 hours of ethics training.

Aside from any fees for the training or state-wide certification test, are there other certification fees/costs?

None found

Is there a statewide certification body?

Yes, certification is handled through the Delaware Certification Board. They process applications and verify certification requirements. Training is typically done through the Mental Health Association in Delaware.

Please provide as much information about the certification board/body as possible.

Yes, certification is handled through the Delaware Certification Board. They process applications and verify certification requirements. Training is typically done through the Mental Health Association in Delaware.

Where can information be found for upcoming peer support trainings?

Mental Health Association in Delaware - Peer Service training system https://mha-in-de.corsizio.com/ Trainings held monthly.
Trainings are offered online and in-person https://mha-in-de.corsizio.com/portal/mha-in-de

On average, how often are trainings held in your state?

Trainings held monthly.
Trainings are offered online and in-person 

Training providers (vendors) and their contact information.

Training is typically done through the Mental Health Association in Delaware MHA Peer Training Services.
https://mha-in-de.corsizio.com/

What are the continuing education requirements?

Must have 20 hours continuing education to include 6 hours of ethics training. 

Who tracks CEUs?

Must have 20 hours continuing education to include 6 hours of ethics training. 

Is there a certification requirement for CPS Supervisors? If yes, provide details of requirements and relevant information.

Yes, Delaware Certification Board has the Certified Supervisor of Peer Specialists credential. Requirements:
This credential has two pathways to qualify.
FORMAL EDUCATION: Pathway 1: minimum bachelor's degree. Pathway 2: no documentation required.
PEER SUPERVISOR WORK EXPERIENCE: Pathway 1: One (1) year of full-time or 2000 hours of part-time work experience in the behavioral health field and six (6) months of full-time employment or 1000 hours must be as a supervisor in the behavioral health field. Pathway 2: Two
(2) years of full-time or 4000 hours of part-time work experience as a CPRS and one (1) year of full-time employment or 2000 hours must be as a supervisor of peers.
CURRENT JOB DESCRIPTION: All applicants: Copy of current peer supervisor job description, obtained from current employer, and which must be signed by both the applicant and their immediate supervisor. EDUCATION/TRAINING: All applicants: 12-hour State of Delaware standardized peer supervisor training.
PREREQUISITE CREDENTIAL: Pathway 2 only: must hold a current and valid CPRS credential.

Additional specializations available for certified peer specialists:

Unknown

What are the different acronyms used to distinguish peer supporters and specific peer support specialties?

Unknown

Are Certified Peer Specialists services Medicaid reimbursable?

Yes, reimbursable through PROMISE 1115 Waiver. 

How are peer support services paid for by the state? What specific Medicaid waivers are used, if any?

Yes, reimbursable through PROMISE 1115 Waiver. 

Is digital peer support available? Medicaid reimbursable?

PROMISE Manual states the peer services is a face-to-face intervention. Unsure if this allows for virtual services.
 

Is there a statewide Peer Specialist organization?

None found

Name of Statewide Peer Specialists Organization*

None found

Peer Specialists Organization Website*

None found

Peer Specialists Organization Primary Contact*

None found

Other relevant/helpful contacts:*

Mental Health Association in Delaware: Phone: 302-654-6833
Email: [email protected]
https://www.mhainde.org/peer-services/

Are there conferences held in the state specifically for Peer Supporters?

Delaware Certification Board has an annual conference. Info here: https://www.decertboard.org/conference

Are there recognition or award opportunities for peer support specialists or Substance Use Peer Support Specialists?

None found

Helpful Websites/ References*

Unknown

Additional Info*

Unknown

If there are recent changes to the certification process due to COVID-19, are the changes permanent, temporary or other?

Yes, Delaware has a state-endorsed certification. No indication of changes because of COVID-19.

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